Joe Wheeler State Park — A National Demonstration Site for PlayOn!

Play has a purpose at Joe Wheeler State Park 🌳

Struthers Recreation is proud to unveil this incredible new GameTime playground—now officially recognized as a National Demonstration Site (NDS) for PlayOn!

Set within one of Alabama’s most scenic destinations, this playground goes beyond traditional play by showcasing how intentional design can support physical activity, learning, and whole-child development.

👀 Designed for More Than Play

At the heart of this project is PlayOn!—a comprehensive approach that combines research-based playground design with activity programming to create meaningful movement experiences.

Rather than treating play as unstructured downtime, this playground demonstrates how outdoor environments can:

• Support physical literacy and daily activity
• Encourage social interaction and emotional development
• Reinforce learning and cognitive growth

🌟 A Model for Purpose-Driven Play

As a PlayOn! National Demonstration Site, this playground reflects best practices in creating environments that keep children active, engaged, and developing every day.

The space features a signature tower playstructure alongside freestanding play components, offering layered play opportunities that challenge and inspire users of all ages and abilities.

🌿 Elevated Play in a Natural Setting

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Joe Wheeler State Park, this playground delivers a unique experience where destination recreation meets intentional design.

It’s more than a playground—it’s a place where movement, learning, and play come together.

What is PlayOn! in playground design?

PlayOn! is a comprehensive approach developed by GameTime that combines a research-backed Design Guide with a standards-aligned Activity Guide to turn playgrounds into environments that support physical activity, learning, and whole-child development.

How does PlayOn! benefit children?

PlayOn! helps children develop physical literacy, improve overall wellness, build social skills, and reinforce academic performance by making play an intentional extension of physical education rather than unstructured downtime.

What makes this playground a National Demonstration Site?

The playground at Joe Wheeler State Park was designated a National Demonstration Site because it successfully implements PlayOn! principles, showcasing how research-based design and programming can create meaningful, development-focused play experiences.

Another great project brought to you by Struthers Recreation & Kight Jones!